Getting Ready For Consulate Visa Interview
The Visa Interview
Sometimes you have to make an appointment and wait a very long time… or so I have been told. This was definitely not the case for me. Perhaps good lawyers in Portugal working for you is the key?
If you do not come prepared for the visit, you will be forced to start the process over again. This is not mental preparation, rather it is having all your required materials, documents and forms. I will try to go through this and list out all that I had, what I brought with me, what I was not able to bring with me, etc.
The process is dynamic and changes regularly. For me, I am documenting my experience in mid to late 2025. As I write this, the Portugese government is working on changing the residency requirement. It was five years, they wanted to make it ten and if I am not mistaken I believe they are working on a seven year plan? (or that may just be for portuguese speaking countries… as I said.. dynamic.. I will write this up some time soon… but for now portugal citizenship law 2025 major changes announced as residency timeline doubles
The Timeline - do what when
- Gather your basic documents and information
The List - what do you need to bring with you
- Your Visa application
Requirements - things that are good to know
The Process
Fees
NYC VSF Consulate fee is $44 payable by credit card
Visa Fee (as of 2025-Oct-01) is $128.03
- payable by cashiers check or money order
- make payable to the Consulate General of Portugal
Have questions about moving to Portugal? Drop a comment below!